City BID to keep the calendar busy right up to Christmas

2013 Lancaster Xmas Lights Switch on

Published:14:44Thursday 28 November 2013

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Last week’s Christmas lights switch-on in Lancaster was a huge success, with 300 ‘Santa-dashers’, right, 4,000 visitors to Lancaster Castle and countless visitors to shops, bars, cafes and restaurants across the city.

The day was orchestrated and supported by Lancaster Unlimited, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) group, who have supported a number of new and exciting events drawing crowds into the city centre.

Last month’s ‘Light Up the Streets’, part of the four day ‘Light Up Lancaster’ festival attracted huge numbers.

Suzi Bunting, Lancaster BID manager said: “I was delighted to hear of businesses who opened on Sundays as a trial and those who are intending to continue to be open on Sundays and late night Thursdays until Christmas.

The Business Improvement District, along with Lancaster City Council and BID contributors, has produced a programme of events in and around the city to keep the Christmas spirit alive.

Late Christmas shopping starts tonight, together with free parking from 6-9pm and all day Sunday provided by Marketgate and Lancaster City Council.

Added to that there is something happening every weekend in December, from choir concerts to a Medieval Christmas, Santa workshops and festive markets, the Lancaster BID and surrounding area are working together to create a magical atmosphere in the city this year.

Running through the whole of festive period (November 29 to January 4) is A Christmas Carol at the Dukes Playhouse.

On November 30, there is a medieval day at Lancaster Castle, and, from December 6, Mother Goose is at the Grand Theatre until December 28 too, so there is plenty of time to organise your evening out.

On December 7, enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the Judges Lodgings, as well as craft workshops at the City Museum.

Bring all the family to the two day Santa Workshop event at the Castle on the 14 and 15 which boasts a live ice sculpting of a huge sleigh you can sit in, Christmas stalls, food, drink and music.

Also this weekend, pin back your ears for a musical feast, with a choral concert at Ashton Hall, a Christmas opera at the Priory and Cinderella at the Grand Theatre – although this is adults only!

On the run-up to the big day, Lancaster Brewery hold their three day Christmas market on December 16, 17 and 18, while the Ashton Memorial hosts a carol concert on the 16th and 17th.

Finally, don’t miss the Christmas spectacular at the Priory on December 20 and 21.

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